The Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr Nikolaos Chardalias participated today Tuesday, 17 May 2022, in the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), in Brussels, during which the implementation of the “Strategic Compass”, with particular emphasis on the effectiveness of Missions and Operations of the Common Security and Defence Policy and the military dimensions and aspects of security of the Russian invasion in Ukraine were discussed.

During the talks regarding the “Strategic Compass”, the Deputy Minister underlined that the efforts of the EU must aim and be defined by four principles: reliability, agility, influence and continuity. Therefore, it is obligatory to conduct analytical planning of the Common Security and Defence Policy activities, so as to define human, material and financial resources for Missions and Operations. Structure, composition and assets are required to secure readiness and effectiveness. The improvement of resilience must be based on a collective experience of Common Security and Defence Policy activities. The utilisation of European Peace Facility in the context of Common Security and Defence Policy activities must be further enhanced on the basis of a holistic approach.

During his address, Mr Chardalias also briefed the EU Defence Ministers with regards to the ongoing Turkish provocative and violating stance, particularly mentioning the high number of violations and overflights conducted on 27 April 2022, which correspond to the crisis of 2020, condemned by the European Council and the EU Council. He stressed that Turkey’s stance is illegal and revisionist, it turns against the Greek sovereignty and constitutes a flagrant violation of the International Law.

The Deputy Minister also participated in the meeting of the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA) during which, the establishment, within the Organisation, of a “Hub for EU Defence Innovation” was approved and the results of EDA analysis regarding the gaps in investments of the EU Defence field were discussed.

During his address, the Deputy Minister mentioned that the developments in Ukraine underline the need for the strategic autonomy of the EU and the increase of expenditure for Defence investments. In this context, he pointed out the importance of the full utilisation of the PESCO DF tools at the disposal of the EU for the enhancement of the defence investments and the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and the coverage of investment gaps, with emphasis on cutting-edge defence technology, so as to reinforce the resilience of the EU in the long-term.

He also stated that our country supports the enhancement of the defence investments of the EU and reminded in our Country’s National Statement, during the adoption of the Strategic Compass, pertaining to the special management of defence expenditures in relation to the financial regulations of the EU, that taking into consideration the threats and challenges we face, our defence expenditures exceed 2% of the GDP.

During the discussion about Ukraine, with the participation of the Ukrainian Defence Minister Mr Oleksii Reznikov through videoconference and the Deputy General Secretary of NATO Mr Mircea Geoană, the Deputy Minister mentioned that our country condemns the revisionist actions of Russia against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

He also underlined that, from the first moment, Greece provided humanitarian and defence aid to Ukraine and stood by the side of the Ukrainian people and its fight.

During the Council’s Meeting, the Defence Ministers of Finland and Sweden, announced their Governments’ decision to submit a request for their accession to NATO, a fact welcomed by all the other Defence Ministers, since it will enhance European Security and the EU-NATO cooperation.

After the end of the Meeting’s proceedings, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr Nikolaos Chardalias made the following statement:

“We attended today’s EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) with solid and plain views on the implementation of the Strategic Compass and ready proposals on issues of crises management, enhancement of resilience and collaborations, as well as the enhancement of the role of the European Union with the development of strategic culture and defence autonomy for the coming years.

Furthermore, we extensively discussed about the developments in Ukraine and we decisively pointed out our unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing bombardments. Finally, we expressed our unreserved support to the requests for the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, into a mainly defensive Alliance, so as to further consolidate the sentiment of security and stability in a region of major strategic interest for the European Union.